Delta Govt. begins mass demolition of illegal structures

The Delta Government has embarked on the mass demolition of “illegal structures” on the waterways in different parts of the state to allow for the free flow of water.

The state’s Director-General of Special Duties, Mr. Frank Omare, disclosed this on Monday during an interactive session with newsmen in Warri.

Omare spoke at the site of the demolition of a two-story building and a proposed church building attached to it at Ugboroke Community, Uvwie Local Government Area.

He said that the government would ensure that all the structures obstructing the waterways were demolished.

He said that the owners of such structures were given two months notice to remove them.

He frowned at the nonchalant attitude of the people towards the government’s directive.

“One of the mandates given to me is to destroy all illegal structures in the state, and this is just the beginning.

“We have given them over two months notice to remove their properties.

“We are constructing a massive drainage system in the state to connect all the drains.

“So, we are removing all the structures hampering the flow of water.

“Those who have built on natural waterways should remove their buildings.

“Those who do not have approval plans should remove their buildings.

“What is going on here is that this very building that we are demolishing does not even have approval.

“Whenever it rains, everywhere gets flooded; this demolition serves as a warning to others,” Omare said

He said that the interests of one individual could not override the collective interests of the state.

He urged those blackmailing Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to know that the demolition was not done out of sentiment.

“What we are doing is going to touch everywhere, and the falling of the yellow leaves should serve as a warning to the fresh ones.

“We have about seven pieces of equipment scattered all over Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas.

“We feel that this is the way to go.

“The Ministry of Urban Renewal is the approving authority.

“I want to see your five-metre approval for the drainage and building,” he said.

Omare said that it was wrong that more than 40 percent of houses in Ugboroke had no septic tanks.

“I am completely taking responsibility for what is happening here today.

“We are ready for those who think they can threaten us.

“We are very ready to do the needful,” he said.

He urged those who had genuine approvals for their buildings to come forward with them.

Mr. David Adu, whose father’s building was affected, commended the State Government’s action and urged strict implementation of the exercise.

The team postponed the demolition of another two-story building at Ekpan Community in Uvwie by 48 hours to enable the occupants to remove their belongings.